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Discover the top contenders for AFCON 2025 glory in Morocco! Get expert insights on who could lift the trophy.
The prestige of the AFCON keeps increasing, and now teams don’t just want to participate, they want to go all out and win it all. This year will be no different, as the biggest names in African football will compete in Morocco for the 2025 edition.
Some teams stand out as clear favourites, but the AFCON has a knack for producing unexpected winners. We’ll be analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each top contender, and also discuss some underdogs.
Football analyst, Kate Richardson is known for her sharp insights into African football, and has suggested that any of the teams could win it if they click properly during the tournament.
Can Morocco Roar on Home Soil?
The Atlas Lions enter the tournament with immense expectations, and that’s quite understandable. Their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup had record viewership, and the 2025 tournament is expected to be even bigger as they host on home soil. Guess what? 10 of the winners of the AFCON won it as the host!
Coach Walid Regragui knows his team well, and has also instilled a remarkable sense of belief and tactical discipline in the Morocco squad.
As he famously said, "If you don't dream, you don't get anywhere. We are allowed to dream."
This mindset took them so far in the FIFA World Cup, and will be important as well in the 2025 AFCON.
Morocco possesses world class talent in every department. From PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, former Chelsea player Hakim Ziyech and to Youssef En Nesyri. They are also defensively solid, as they displayed in Qatar, where they conceded only one goal before the semifinals. Together, all these make them a formidable opponent. While the pressure of being the host team might be dangerous, Morocco will be difficult to stop if they channel that pressure properly.
Powerhouses with a Point to Prove
Senegal were eliminated in the round of 16 at Ivory Coast, despite winning the 2021 tournament and will be out to prove that they haven’t lost their touch. The Teranga Lions boast a blend of experience like Sadie Mane. Winning the 2025 tournament isn’t out of place if they can pull themselves together and show a little bit of fight.
Nigeria's Super Eagles came very close in 2023, losing in the final to Ivory Coast, the host country, in a tightly contested 2-1 loss. They’ve changed their coach (again) and will be motivated to go and win it all the way at the 2025 AFCON.
With a striker like Victor Osimhen, who Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis called "a force of nature," Nigeria can score against any defense. Although this hasn’t been evident in some matches they’ve played, if they click, the firepower in the squad can tear down almost any defense.
Many believe they have the attacking talent to overwhelm teams, and Nigeria will be looking to prove them right with their results. Their major challenge will be finding a style that actually works for them and staying defensively solid throughout the tournament. Same way experts at https://www.mightytips.com/bonuses/ teach you to stick to your game plan when you get a bonus to place your bets.
Reigning Champions and Dark Horses
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The Elephants of Ivory Coast easily earn a place in the top contenders' list. They won at home as underdogs at the AFCON 2023, but the confidence and experience gained in 2023 will make them a dangerous side to face this year.
Legendary striker Didier Drogba puts it best by saying, "When we are together, we are strong."
There are also quite a number of countries that could mount a serious challenge. Here are a few to watch:
Egypt: As the record seven time winners, the Pharaohs can never be overlooked. With Mohamed Salah leading the line, and Marmoush available as an attacking option, they have a team capable of pulling their own weight as underdogs.
Algeria: Despite winning the 2019 tournament, Algeria has performed below par, and now the Fennec Foxes may be hungry to prove they are still among Africa's elite.
Ghana: Ghana has a history of performing well at AFCON. It wouldn’t be out of place if they pull off some big wins and reach the semi-final or final because they still have some big names like Thomas Partey in their ranks.
Conclusion
If there’s anything we know, it’s that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be super exciting. Morocco at home, Nigeria’s super team, Ivory Coast, Mane and Senegal, or some random underdog? One team will eventually emerge winners. And the world will be watching to see who will eventually take the trophy.
You can follow the event live through major outlets like BBC Sport Africa, and get every detail from MD1 to the finals.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson
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